Epcot was originally an acronym that stood for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” and it was actually the initial reason for coming to Central Florida. Walt not only wanted to build a larger Disneyland with no space constraints, but he wanted to try to use some of the technology his team had developed in a city. He is quoted as saying,”I don’t believe there’s a challenge anywhere in the world that’s more important to people everywhere than finding solutions to the problems of our cities.”
Walt imagined about 20,000 residents in Epcot, and that companies (such as GE) could use it as a testing ground for their latest inventions and technologies. Walt’s original idea for EPCOT featured a city center called “Progress City.” In progress city there would be pavilions where residents and visitors could learn about things such as technology, the oceans, communication, energy, space, and more. Additionally, there would be a world market, where you could travel around the globe in a day.
Also in the central hub would be the business and commerce districts, as well as high-rise city living. In the very center, a 30-story convention center and fancy hotel would reside.
Walt had the idea that surrounding the central hub would be the residential neighborhoods, shooting off like spokes from a wheel. Residents would travel to the city center via monorail or people mover — eliminating the need for cars within EPCOT. You’d only need them if you were travelling in or out of the city. In fact, the majority of deliveries and motor travel would take place on special roads under the city.
Walt even thought about trash in his city of the future. Residents would put it out on the street — but it would be sucked underground and rapidly carried away to be processed.
Sadly, when Walt passed away in 1966 the idea for Epcot as a city went with him. No one else felt as though they could carry out his idea of an actual community without him. But the ideas and inspiration for Epcot stayed with the Imagineers, and were the basis for the theme park as we know it today.
Credit : AllEars
Picture Credit : Google
